Easy Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe Without Sour Cream

This easy cinnamon crumb coffee cake is soft, cozy, and topped with buttery cinnamon crumbs, without needing sour cream.

If you love a simple cake with your morning coffee or a cozy after-school snack, this recipe belongs in your kitchen. This coffee cake recipe without sour cream uses basic ingredients you probably already have on hand. No Greek yogurt, sour cream, or other special ingredient needed to keep it soft and moist. Instead, milk and oil help create a soft and tender crumb. The cinnamon topping adds plenty of warm cinnamon flavor to every bite.

It is especially delicious when served warm with a hot cup of coffee. My favorite thing about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. You only need two bowls and a wooden spoon to whip it up. Simply mix, pour, sprinkle, and bake.

That makes this easy coffee cake recipe perfect for busy mornings and relaxed weekends. It also makes a wonderful afternoon snack when everyone wants something sweet. And because it fills the house with a wonderful cinnamony aroma, I especially love making it in the fall, although any time of year is perfect!

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake Recipe Without Sour Cream

Many traditional coffee cake recipes rely on sour cream for moisture. A sour cream coffee cake can certainly be delicious. However, if you’re like me, you may not always have sour cream waiting in your refrigerator. This recipe keeps things much simpler. Regular milk and oil provide plenty of moisture without adding extra steps. The finished cake has a soft texture with a lightly crisp cinnamon topping.

The cinnamon streusel is also incredibly easy to make. You do not need a pastry cutter, food processor, or mixer. A fork and a small bowl work perfectly. This homemade coffee cake also uses a square pan instead of a Bundt pan. That makes preparation and cleanup especially easy. And baking for only 25 minutes, it’s a snap to have ready when time and energy run low.

It is the kind of simple cake that works for almost any occasion. Serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an after-school treat. It is also wonderful alongside morning coffee on a quiet weekend. 

Ingredients for Easy Cinnamon Coffee Cake

You only need a handful of pantry staples for this recipe.

For the cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg, beaten

For the crumb topping:

• 1 tablespoon softened butter
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

These ingredients work together to make a lightly sweet and moist cake. For best results, let your milk and egg come closer to room temperature before mixing. However, the recipe will still work when you are short on time.

A Note About the Flour

Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly fine for this recipe. You do not need cake flour or another specialty flour. Be sure to measure the flour carefully for the best texture. (Too much flour can make almost any cake dry.) To do this, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level the top. 

How to Make Coffee Cake Without Sour Cream

These step-by-step instructions are intentionally simple. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees.

Prepare a square pan with cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper. I prefer greasing the pan with oil AND putting down parchment paper because it makes removing the cake so much easier. Double the assurance that it won’t stick when I’m ready to cut and serve.

Set the prepared pan aside while you make the batter.

Add the milk, oil, vanilla extract, and beaten egg to a large bowl. Whisk the wet ingredients together until they are well combined.

Next, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Stir the dry ingredients until everything is evenly distributed. 

Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix only until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing your coffee cake batter. Overmixing can create a tougher texture instead of a soft cake.

Pour the batter into your prepared square pan and spread it into an even layer.

Now it is time for the best part.

How to Make the Cinnamon Crumb Topping

Combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix everything together with a fork or pastry cutter.

The mixture should become crumbly and well combined. You are essentially creating a quick streusel topping.

Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the top of the batter. Try to distribute the crumbs across the entire surface. That way, every piece gets some cinnamon goodness.

You do NOT need to press the topping into the batter. Simply sprinkle it over the top. The topping will settle into the cake slightly as everything bakes.

Baking the Coffee Cake

Place your prepared pan in the preheated oven. Bake the coffee cake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

The exact bake time can vary slightly between ovens. Check the center of the cake before removing it from the oven. Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. 

Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting it. If using parchment paper in the pan, you can simply pull the cake out of the pan for easy cutting and serving. 

You can place the pan on a wire rack while it cools. I especially love serving warm slices while the topping is still slightly crisp.

What Makes This Coffee Cake So Easy?

Some coffee cakes have several different layers. You might need to spoon half of the batter into a pan first. Then comes a cinnamon filling, followed by the remaining batter. Finally, another layer of streusel goes over the top.

Those cakes are delicious, but they require more work and time. This recipe skips those extra layers and steps.

All the batter goes directly into the pan. Then the cinnamon topping goes over the top of the cake. Easy peasy. That makes this a particularly good recipe for baking with children. It is also perfect when you want homemade cake without a lengthy project.

Coffee Cake Without Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

This recipe does not require sour cream or Greek yogurt as many coffee cake recipes do. Those ingredients can create excellent cakes, but they are not necessary here. The milk and oil provide moisture while keeping the batter simple.

No buttermilk is needed either. You can use whatever milk you have on hand. Whole milk is excellent if you have it. I usually use 2% milk and it works perfectly. 

That simplicity is one reason I love this coffee cake recipe.

Softened Butter Versus Cold Butter

Many streusel recipes call for cold butter. Others use melted butter to create larger crumbs. This recipe uses just one tablespoon of softened butter. It is enough to bring the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour together. Mix until you have a crumbly texture. The crumbs do not need to look perfect. Those rustic cinnamon pieces are part of the charm.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use parchment paper when you want especially easy cleanup. 
• Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients.
• Spread the batter evenly before adding the topping. Sprinkle the topping evenly across the entire cake.
• Begin checking the cake around the 25-minute mark. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing.

These little steps can produce better results without making the recipe complicated. The best way to judge doneness is always checking the center. Every oven behaves a little differently.

How to Store Homemade Coffee Cake

Once completely cooled, store the cake in an airtight container. It will stay softer when protected from the air.

You can also cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. Aluminum foil can work when you do not have a fitted container.

Make sure you cool the cake completely before covering it tightly. Trapped steam can make the crumb topping softer and often condensation builds and drips onto the cake. Soggy cake is no good. 

For the best texture, enjoy the cake within a few days. You can warm individual pieces briefly before serving. A warm piece makes a wonderful breakfast or afternoon treat.

How Kids Can Help Make Coffee Cake

This recipe is particularly fun for little helpers. There are several jobs children can handle at different ages. IMPORTANT NOTE: Adult supervision is always important around the oven and hot pans.

Ages 2–4

• Little kids can help pour premeasured ingredients into bowls. 
• They can also stir the dry ingredients with a spoon.
• Let them sprinkle some cinnamon topping over the batter. Do not worry if their topping distribution is imperfect. That is part of making memories together.

Ages 4–6

• Children in this age group can measure simple ingredients with help. 
• They can whisk the wet ingredients together.
• They can also mix the cinnamon crumb topping with a fork. 
• Sprinkling the topping is another easy job for this age.

Ages 6–8

• Older children can measure most ingredients with supervision. 
• They can also stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Teach them to stop stirring once the batter is just combined.
• They can use a rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly.

Ages 8+

• Older kids can make most of this recipe independently with supervision. They can measure ingredients and prepare the pan.
• They can mix the batter and make the streusel topping. 
• They can also learn how to test the cake for doneness.
• An adult should still handle the hot oven when appropriate.

Serving Ideas

• This cinnamon coffee cake recipe is delicious exactly as written. You do not need frosting or icing. The brown sugar topping provides plenty of sweetness. However, you could add a simple vanilla glaze for a special occasion. A drizzle would make the cake slightly sweeter and more dessert-like.
• For breakfast, serve it alongside fresh fruit and coffee. A cold glass of milk is wonderful with it, too. 
• Top with homemade whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• The cake also works beautifully on a casual brunch table. It is simple enough for weekdays but cozy enough for company.

Frequently Asked Questions: Coffee Cake Recipe Without Sour Cream

• What can I use instead of sour cream in coffee cake? This recipe does not require a direct perfect substitute for sour cream. Instead, milk and oil create the moisture needed for the cake. That keeps the ingredient list short and convenient.
• Can I use Greek yogurt instead? You do not need Greek yogurt for this recipe. The recipe was specifically developed without sour cream or yogurt. Changing the liquid ingredients could alter the finished texture. I recommend making the recipe as written first.
• Can I use a Bundt pan? I recommend using the square pan called for in this recipe. A Bundt pan changes the cake’s depth and baking requirements. That would change the baking time.
• Why is my coffee cake dry? The cake may have baked too long. It is also possible that too much flour was added. Careful measuring helps create a moist coffee cake. Check the center around 25 minutes to prevent overbaking.
• Does coffee cake actually contain coffee? No, not usually. The name comes from serving the sweet cake alongside coffee. Children can enjoy it without worrying about coffee in the cake.
• Can I make the crumb topping ahead? Yes. Mix the topping ingredients and refrigerate them in a covered container. Let the butter soften slightly before sprinkling the mixture over the batter.
• Can I double this recipe? Yes, but you will need a larger pan. The baking time will also need adjustment. When using a different sized pan, watch the center rather than relying on the clock.
• How do I know when coffee cake is done? Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Wet batter means the cake needs more time.
• Should coffee cake be refrigerated? This cake does not normally need refrigeration for short-term storage. Keep it covered in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration can sometimes make cakes feel firmer and drier.
• Can I freeze this coffee cake? Yes. Allow the cake to cool completely first. Wrap individual pieces carefully before freezing. You can then thaw pieces whenever you want an easy homemade treat.

A Simple Coffee Cake for Cozy Mornings

A pan of classic coffee cake is just so cozy and inviting. No fancy frosting or elaborate decorations needed. Just warm, simple deliciousness.

The smell of cinnamon baking is enough to bring everyone into the kitchen. This version keeps that cozy feeling while making preparation incredibly simple. You get a soft cake underneath a sweet cinnamon crumb topping. 

The ingredients are inexpensive and easy to keep on hand. That makes this one of those favorite recipes you can make without much planning. It is perfect for slow Saturday mornings. It also works when you need a quick treat for unexpected company. You can even bake it with the kids on a rainy afternoon.

No paddle attachment or bowl of a stand mixer is necessary. Really, all you need for mixing is a wooden spoon or spatula.

There are no complicated layers or difficult techniques. It is simply an easy, delicious coffee cake made from everyday ingredients.

If you have been searching for the best coffee cake recipe without sour cream, give this one a try. It may become your favorite because of how simple it is. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones we can make without another grocery trip. Sometimes a fluffy cake, cinnamon crumbs, and coffee are all a morning needs.

Easy Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe Without Sour Cream

Ingredients

For the cake

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg, beaten

For the topping

• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Grease a square baking pan or line it with parchment paper (or both).
3. Whisk the milk, oil, vanilla extract, and egg in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. 
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. 
6. Pour the coffee cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. In a bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly streusel mixture.
8. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
9. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Check the center for doneness with a toothpick or cake tester.
10. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container.

Serve with morning coffee, milk, or your favorite warm drink. Enjoy!

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